TSA: Take Out Your Cameras & Other Large Electronics

In a move designed to protect those traveling within these United States from an "increased threat to aviation security," but destined to add another layer of frustration to air travel overall, the TSA is in the process of "implementing new, stronger screening procedures for carry-on items that require travelers to place all electronics larger than a cell phone in bins for X-ray screening in standard lanes."

In other words, photographers, you're going to have to treat your DSLR, ILC, and larger all-in-one cameras just like a laptop. Out of your checked bag and into its own separate bin "with nothing on top or below."

After an initial testing period, the new screening requirements are already in effect at the following airports:

Boise Airport (BOI)

Colorado Springs Airport (COS)

Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)

Logan International Airport (BOS)

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LBB)

Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU)

McCarran International Airport (LAS)

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

The TSA will expand the program nationwide to all domestic airports in the coming weeks and months. Either way, if you're a traveling photographer, be prepared to take OFF your shoes and belt and jackets while taking OUT your laptop and cameras and other larger-than-a-cellphone electronics (so tablets too)...

Unless you are enrolled in TSA Pre✓®.

Yeah, you're reading that right. If you pay the ~$80 fee the TSA says, "travelers enrolled in TSA Pre✓® do not need to remove shoes, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, electronics, light outerwear, or belts. The program allows TSA to focus resources on passengers who may pose a high risk to security while providing expedited screening to those travelers who have been identified as low-risk, trusted travelers."

If you love to travel and travel with a bunch of gear, TSA Pre✓®, which is available at approximately 200 airports, has never looked like a better deal.